China's anti-graft chief He Guoqiang on Friday urged officials to carry out a thrifty style in life and work, as the country's campaign to curb "official luxury" started to pay off.

He, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks at a meeting on the practices of the policies on keeping a thrifty style and curbing sightseeing abroad on public money.

"The central authorities' decision on curbing officials' using public money to sightsee abroad is a necessary step for our country to cope with the global economic crisis and a long-term strategic policy to draw the Party closer to the people," said He.

Statistics show that in the first six months of this year, departments of the central Party organs and government departments saved a total of 597 million yuan (87.3 million U.S. dollars) from overseas trips, vehicle purchase and business reception.

Local government organizations saved 15.2 billion yuan.

He, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, urged Party and government organizations at all levels to "stoutly" check and manage any luxury cases that violated laws and disciplines and punish whoever is involved.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2009)